Since her church days, the power of her voice was recognized. Since her death, this nickname has gotten stronger due to her legendary status in the music industry. She had a 5 octave voice and was there before Mariah...

Pastor Marvin Winans has stated that as a child Whitney was nicknamed by close family, friends, and clergy, as "illegal" due to being "a mischievous little girl from New Jersey" which has nothing to do with her star status latter addiction(s)